After completing this chapter you should be able to: Explain what an account is and how it helps in the recording process; define debits and credits and explain their use in recording business transactions, identify the basic steps in the recording process,. and other contents. | CHAPTER 2 THE RECORDING PROCESS Accounting Principles, Eighth Edition Explain what an account is and how it helps in the recording process. Define debits and credits and explain their use in recording business transactions. Identify the basic steps in the recording process. Explain what a journal is and how it helps in the recording process. Explain what a ledger is and how it helps in the recording process. Explain what posting is and how it helps in the recording process. Prepare a trial balance and explain its purposes. Study Objectives 1. On the topic, “Challenges Facing Financial Accounting,” what did the AICPA Special Committee on Financial Reporting suggest should be included in future financial statements? Non-financial Measurements (customer satisfaction indexes, backlog information, and reject rates on goods purchases). Forward-looking Information Soft Assets (a company’s know-how, market dominance, marketing setup, well-trained employees, and brand image). Timeliness (no real time financial information) The Account Debits and credits Expansion of basic equation Steps in the Recording Process The Recording Process Illustrated The Trial Balance Limitations of a trial balance Locating errors Use of dollar signs Summary illustration of journalizing and posting The Recording Process Journal Ledger Service Cost - Actuaries compute service cost as the present value of the new benefits earned by employees during the year. Future salary levels considered in calculation. Interest on Liability - Interest accrues each year on the PBO just as it does on any discounted debt. Actual Return on Plan Assets - Increase in pension funds from interest, dividends, and realized and unrealized changes in the fair market value of the plan assets. Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost - The cost of providing retroactive benefits is allocated to pension expense in the future, specifically to the remaining service-years of the affected employees. Gain or Loss - Volatility | CHAPTER 2 THE RECORDING PROCESS Accounting Principles, Eighth Edition Explain what an account is and how it helps in the recording process. Define debits and credits and explain their use in recording business transactions. Identify the basic steps in the recording process. Explain what a journal is and how it helps in the recording process. Explain what a ledger is and how it helps in the recording process. Explain what posting is and how it helps in the recording process. Prepare a trial balance and explain its purposes. Study Objectives 1. On the topic, “Challenges Facing Financial Accounting,” what did the AICPA Special Committee on Financial Reporting suggest should be included in future financial statements? Non-financial Measurements (customer satisfaction indexes, backlog information, and reject rates on goods purchases). Forward-looking Information Soft Assets (a company’s know-how, market dominance, marketing setup, well-trained employees, and brand image). Timeliness (no .
